2007 - Memorial Hospital of South Bend

LEVEL II TRAUMA CARE AT MEMORIALIn 2007, the American College of Surgeons’ (ACS)Committee on Trauma re-verified Memorial Hospital ofSouth Bend as a Level II Trauma Center, just one of fourLevel II facilities in the state. Level II Trauma Centers likeMemorial serve as a lead facility for the region, as theclosest Level I facility is in Indianapolis. “We take thisrole seriously providing education and follow-up to areaproviders and hospitals who rely on our expertise,” saysRobert A. Yount, M.D., neurosurgeon.“We commend Memorial Hospital of South Bend for itsdemonstrated commitment to provide superior traumacare,” said Frank L. Mitchell III, M.D., MHA, FACS,Chairman of the Verification Review Committee.“Comprehensive care from admission to dischargeand beyond is what the Memorial Leighton TraumaCenter is all about,” said Scott Thomas, M.D., FACS,medical director of Memorial’s Trauma Services.“It truly is a network of units and specialists comingtogether to provide optimal, timely care to the mostcritically injured patients. Everyone takes greatpride in the role they play in bringing about positiveoutcomes. Recognition of our team approach is thereason for the growth of our Trauma Center.”The Level II verification is based ondemonstration of a well-organized systemof care that covers the spectrum fromprevention education to pre-hospitalemergency care, acute care, effectivediagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation.The system requires a multi-disciplinary hospitalteam of board-certified physician specialists, nurses,clinicians and support staff, all equipped with themost effective diagnostic and treatment resources.“As a Level II Trauma Center, there’s a sequence ofevents that automatically occurs with each traumapatient. It gives us a more structured approach whena patient comes in,” said Keith Sherry, M.D., FACEP,Memorial Hospital EMS medical director. “Instead ofreinventing the process for each new case, we alreadyhave a system in place.”“Minutes count,” says Dr. Thomas. “Saving Lives is areality in the trauma program, not just a slogan.”Prevention is Always the Best MedicineThere’s more to a great trauma program thantreating those needing critical care. To be a truesteward of health in the community, the best traumateams place a strong emphasis on preventingtrauma in the first place. For years, Memorial hasbeen recognized as much for its work in injuryprevention as for its clinical services.Memorial Trauma Services and HealthWorks! Kids’Museum have worked together to bring multipleinjury prevention programs to area youth. During2007, more than 38,000 youth and adults havelearned how to stay safe.These programs include: American Trauma Society’s“Trauma Roo,” “Trauma Nurses Talk Tough,” “ThinkFirst” and “Crazy Cranium” camp specificallyoffered at HealthWorks! Along with HealthWorks!Kids’ Museum, Trauma Services participatesin multiple community safety fairs offeringdemonstrations on seat belt safety, Poison Control,and other health and safety issues.Memorial Hospital is the lead agency for SafeKids of St. Joseph County, part of a worldwideorganization that focuses on preventing injuriesfor youth ages 0 – 14.The Memorial Trauma Team will continue toreach out to provide innovative programmingfor youth and adults in our community.Robert A. Yount, M.D., neurosurgeonKeith H. Sherry, M.D., EMS medical director